(CNN) -
Paris-based Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, famous for creating the international luxury fashion house Kenzo, died in the French capital on Sunday due to complications related to Covid-19, a brand spokesperson confirmed. luxury K-3 of Takada in a statement sent to CNN.
“It is with immense sadness that the K-3 brand announces the loss of its celebrated artistic director, Kenzo Takada.
The world-renowned designer passed away on October 4, 2020 due to complications related to covid-19 at the age of 81 at the American Hospital, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, ”the statement read.
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In 1970, Takada shook Paris with the debut of his eponymous fashion line.
Sold out at his first boutique, called Jungle Jap, his designs were a chaotic mix of strong colors and uneven prints inspired by his travels around the world.
Kenzo Takada's designs were a mix of bold colors and prints inspired by his travels around the world.
Credit: Pierre Vauthey / Sygma / Sygma via Getty Images
The designer opened his flagship store on the Place des Victoires in Paris in 1976, and over the next three decades, he racked up numerous accolades and accomplishments, including a slew of magazine covers, the launch of a perfume empire, and in 1993, his purchase of the brand by luxury conglomerate LVMH, before retiring to pursue other creative pursuits in 1999.
“Kenzo Takada was incredibly creative;
With a touch of genius, he envisioned a new artistic and colorful story that blends East and West, his native Japan and his life in Paris, ”said Jonathan Bouchet Manheim, CEO of Takada's K-3 brand, - launched in January this year–, in a statement.
«I had the opportunity to work with him for many years, always in awe, admiring his curiosity and open mind.
He seemed calm and shy at first, but was full of humor.
He was generous and always knew how to take care of those close to his heart.
He had a zest for life… Kenzo Takada was the epitome of the art of living, ”he added.
Kristen Bateman contributed reporting.
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